Mexico expresses deep concerns over armed groups on US border

Mexico said on Saturday it had deep concern about armed groups that intimidate and extort migrants on the border, shortly after the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Democratic senators called for a probe into such citizen efforts to block migrants from crossing.

These types of practices can drive human rights abuses of people who migrate or request asylum or refuge in the US, Mexico's Foreign Relations Ministry said in a statement, referring to militia groups in New Mexico. It added that patrols on the margins of the law create risks for the safety of migrants.

The ACLU of New Mexico earlier condemned the United Constitutional Patriots, which patrols the southern US border in New Mexico, as a fascist militia organization operating outside the law. The group has posted videos showing members dressed in camouflage and armed with semi-automatic rifles holding groups of migrants, many Central American families seeking asylum, until US Border Patrol agents arrive.

US President Donald Trump's administration has toughened various policies and put pressure on Mexico in an attempt to discourage people from attempting to cross into the US illegally.